ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 2GB Low-Profile Graphics Card: specs and who it suits

The ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 (model ZT-P10300A-10L) is a compact graphics card with 2GB of memory. It is meant for PCs that rely on integrated graphics, and especially for small cases that only take low-profile cards. ZOTAC says it gives a step up over integrated graphics for photo editing, video playback and lighter gaming.

The GPU and memory

The card is built around the NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 graphics processor, based on the Pascal architecture, with 384 CUDA cores. The base clock is 1227 MHz and the boost clock is 1468 MHz. Memory is 2GB of GDDR5 on a 64-bit bus, running at 6.0 GHz. A narrower memory bus limits bandwidth, which is why this class of card suits modest workloads rather than demanding modern games at high settings.

It connects through PCI Express 3.0 and supports DirectX 12 (feature level 12_1), OpenGL 4.5, Vulkan and OpenCL. ZOTAC also lists NVIDIA GPU Boost 3.0 and GameWorks.

Display outputs

There are two connections: one HDMI 2.0b and one single-link DVI-D. The card is dual-display capable. Many current monitors use HDMI or DisplayPort, so check which cable or adapter you need; there is no DisplayPort output here.

Low-profile design

The low-profile form factor means the card is short and slim enough for compact desktops and small-form-factor cases. The listing gives dimensions of 6.8 x 0.6 x 4.4 inches and a weight of 0.4 lb. Low-profile cards often need a half-height bracket, so confirm which bracket is fitted and whether your case needs a different one.

Power requirements

ZOTAC lists a 30-watt maximum power consumption and recommends a 300-watt power supply. Because the draw is low, cards of this kind typically run from the slot's power alone and do not need an extra power cable, but check the listing and your power supply to be sure. A weak or proprietary power supply in a small office PC is worth checking.

Software and in the box

The card is listed for Windows 10, 8 and 7 on x86 and x64 systems with NVIDIA GeForce drivers. GeForce Experience provides driver updates and one-click game optimization. The listing's box contents are a quick install guide and a driver disk. ZOTAC says an extended warranty is included, with user registration required on its website.

What to check before you buy

• Case and slot. Confirm your case takes a low-profile card and the motherboard has a free PCIe slot.
• Monitor connections. The outputs are HDMI and DVI-D only.
• Power supply. Compare your PSU's wattage and connectors with ZOTAC's 300W recommendation.
• Operating system. The listing names Windows 10, 8 and 7; check driver support for your version.
• Expectations. A 64-bit memory bus and 2GB suit light tasks, not demanding games.
• Optical drive. The driver disk needs a disc drive; drivers can usually be downloaded instead.

The short version

• A low-profile ZOTAC GeForce GT 1030 with 2GB GDDR5 and 384 CUDA cores.
• HDMI 2.0b and DVI-D outputs, with dual-display support.
• 30W maximum power; 300W power supply recommended.
• Suited to compact PCs that need more graphics capability than integrated graphics.

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